BRACONID WASP
Earinus sp.
BRACONID WASP FAMILY (Braconidae)
A small wasp, about 1/2 inch (12 mm) long with a prominent ovipositor. Its head, thorax and abdomen are black and it has long, black antennae. Legs are reddish with some banding on the hind legs. There are nine species in the genus with additional undescribed species. Identification to species requires a very close look at the face of the wasp.
This is an early flying wasp. It is found during March and April as it hunts for host insects for nesting. It is a parasitoid of several species of Tortricid moths.
The individual shown was photographed at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in mid-March. It had been attracted to lights at the nature center.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.